The Philippine Crocodile is a critically endangered species of crocodile native to the Philippines.
It is one of the smallest crocodile species in the world with adults typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 meters.
This species is characterized by its broad snout, V-shaped ridges on its back, and a relatively short and sturdy body.
Philippine Crocodile Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Philippine Crocodile belongs to is called Crocodylidae. This is the family of True Crocodiles native to the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world.
These Crocodiles can be found in places such as Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.
There are currently 3 recognised genera and a total of 18 recognised species in this family.
There are more species in the Crocodilia Sub-Family such as Alligators and Caiman but these species aren’t considered ‘True Crocodiles’.
The most obvious external differences are visible in the head, with Crocodiles having narrower and longer heads, with a more V-shaped than a U-shaped snout compared to Alligators and Caimans.
Genus
The genus that the Philippine Crocodile belongs to is called Crocodylus. While some sources consider the 3 genera of Crocodylidae as ‘True Crocodiles’, the species in this genus really are the ‘True Crocodile’ species.
There are currently 13 recognised species in this genus and a few recognised sub-species. There are also 5 extinct species in the genus.
The Crocodylus genus likely originated from Africa with species spreading towards South-East Asia and the Americas. However, some scientists believe their roots can be traced to Asia and Australia.
Species
The scientific name for the Philippine Crocodile is Crocodylus mindorensis and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
This species was first described in 1935 by an American herpetologist named Karl Patterson Schmidt.
Philippine Crocodile Description
The Philippine Crocodile is one of the smaller crocodile species, with adults typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 meters (between 6.5 to 10 feet).
Some exceptionally large individuals may grow slightly longer, but they are generally quite small compared to other crocodile species.
They have a V-shaped snout, which is quite slender and elongated compared to other crocodiles. This snout shape is well-suited for catching fish and other aquatic prey.
Their body is covered in tough, armoured scales that provide protection. The coloration of their scales can vary from olive green to brown, which helps them to blend into their surroundings.
Their eyes and nostrils are positioned on the top of their head which allows them to remain mostly submerged when they come to the surface of the water.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Philippine Crocodile, as its name suggests, is endemic to the Philippines where it can be found on a number of Philippine Islands.
Historically, they had a large distribution throughout many of the islands including Luzon, Mindoro, Leyte, Samar and Negros. However, due to habitat loss and hunting their range has significantly declined.
The range of the Philippine Crocodile is now highly fragmented with isolated populations in places such as the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park in Luzon and certain parts of Mindanao.
These crocodiles like to inhabit freshwater habitats such as rivers, swamps and small lakes.
Philippine Crocodile Behaviour
The Philippine Crocodile is a nocturnal species, meaning they are mostly active during the night, using the cover of darkness to hunt for prey.
They tend to be territorial animals, with individuals establishing specific areas within their habitat. They will defend their territory against intruders, especially during the breeding season.
The diet of the Philippine Crocodile mainly consists of fish, amphibians and small mammals, although they may also prey on birds and reptiles.
They are ambush predators using their stealth and camouflage to approach unsuspecting prey.
Like other Crocodile species, they bask in the sun during the day to regulate their body temperature. They can often be seen lying along riverbanks or other sources of water.